Are you a skilled worker dreaming of a new life in Australia's vibrant regional areas? The Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) could be your stepping stone to that dream.

Introduced in 2019, this visa is a key part of Australia's strategy to boost regional development and address skills shortages outside major cities. It offers a unique blend of opportunities for skilled migrants and a pathway to permanent residency.

The subclass 491 visa stands out with several attractive features:

• 5-Year Validity: Live, work, and study in designated regional areas of Australia for up to five years.
• Regional Focus: Support the growth of regional communities while enjoying the unique lifestyle they offer.
• Permanent Residency Pathway: After three years, you may be eligible to apply for the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (subclass 191).
• Significant Opportunity: With 15,000 places available annually, it represents a substantial chance for skilled migrants.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the 491 visa, you must meet several key requirements:

Age Requirement

You must be under 45 years of age at the time of invitation to apply.

Skills Assessment and Occupation Lists

Your occupation must be on the relevant skilled occupation list.

You must obtain a positive skills assessment for your nominated occupation from an approved skills assessment body. You typically must achieve certain minimum qualifications and work experience years before being eligible for a skills assessment. For details on which skills assessment body applies to your occupation, please refer to the department of home affairs' skilled occupation list.

English Proficiency

You must demonstrate at least competent English.

Points Test

If you score a minimum of 65 points on the points test, you will gain an additional 15 points for regional nomination or family sponsorship.

State Sponsored Subclass 491 visa - Skilled Work Regional Visa

You must be either:

• Nominated by a state or territory government agency to live and work in a designated regional area, or
• Sponsored by an eligible family member living in a designated regional area - where you are sponsored by an Australian citizen, Australian PR or eligible New Zealand citizen who are usually resident in the designated regional area and a close relative (e.g. parent, spouse's parent, grandparent, child/stepchild, sibling/step-sibling, aunt/uncle, niece/nephew, first cousin)

What is considered a "designated regional area" in Australia?

The Department of Home Affairs has released a group of new and wider definitions of regional areas, providing significantly more opportunities to skilled applicants within and outside Australia to seek residence in the country.

It's important to understand what "regional" means. Generally speaking:

1. In Queensland - everywhere except for Brisbane
2. In South Australia - everywhere except for Adelaide
3. In Tasmania - everywhere
4. In New South Wales - everywhere except for Sydney
5. In Western Australia - everywhere except for Perth
6. In the Northern Territories - everywhere
7. In Victoria - everywhere except for Melbourne

Notable Regional Cities and Areas

Perth, Adelaide, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Canberra, Newcastle/Lake Macquarie, Wollongong/Illawarra, Geelong, and Hobart are all considered regional.

The Points Test: a brief overview

Please always refer to the official government regulations on how the points are calculated. We break this down in the table below:

Benefits for Visa Holders

The subclass 491 visa comes with several advantages:

1. Enjoy full work rights in any occupation within designated regional areas.
2. Opportunity to study at regional institutions.
3. You are eligible to enrol in Medicare, Australia's public healthcare system.
4. Your partner and dependent children can be included in your visa application.
5. Clear pathway to permanent residency after three years, subject to meeting requirements.

Comparison with Other Visas

Information for Employers

Benefits of Hiring subclass 491 Visa Holders

The 491 visa program provides access to skilled workers in areas experiencing skills shortages. Unlike employer-sponsored visas such as the subclass 482 visas or subclass 494 visas, this program does not impose sponsorship obligations on employers. Additionally, there is potential for long-term retention of these workers, as 491 visa holders often seek permanent residency in Australia.

How It Differs from Employer-Sponsored Visas

The 491 visa program offers distinct advantages compared to employer-sponsored visas. Employers are not required to sponsor or nominate candidates under this visa category, which simplifies the hiring process. Furthermore, the 491 visa allows access to a broader range of eligible occupations listed on the Regional Occupation List, providing more flexibility in recruitment for regional areas.

The subclass 491 visa presents an exciting opportunity for skilled workers to experience life in regional Australia while contributing to local communities and economies. With its generous validity period, clear pathway to permanent residency, and additional points in the skilled migration system, it's an attractive option for those looking to make Australia their new home.

If you have an occupation on the skilled list and are interested in the unique lifestyle and opportunities that regional Australia offers, the 491 visa could be your ideal route. Consider consulting with a registered migration agent to explore your eligibility and start your journey towards a new life in regional Australia.

While this information is current as of September 2024, visa regulations can change. Always refer to the Department of Home Affairs website for the most up-to-date information.

Family Sponsored Subclass 491 visa - Skilled Work Regional Visa

Eligibility of the Sponsor:

1. You have turned 18
2. You are an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen
3. You are usually resident in a designated regional area, residing for a minimum of 12 months to 2 years (depending on state requirements)
4. You are an eligible relative

An "eligible relative" is defined as the following in the legislation:

• a parent
• a child or step-child
• a brother, sister, adoptive brother, adoptive sister, step-brother or step-sister
• an aunt, uncle, adoptive aunt, adoptive uncle, step-aunt or step-uncle
• a nephew, niece, adoptive nephew, adoptive niece, step-nephew or step-niece
• a grandparent, or
• a first cousin

Eligibility of the Visa Applicant:

1. Your occupation is on the relevant occupation lists for the subclass 491 visa
2. You are invited to apply for the visa application
3. You score at least 65 points on the points test.
4. You are under 45 years old at the time of invitation, unless you are exempt
5. You have a full valid skills assessment under your chosen occupation in accordance with ANZSCO (Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations).
6. You must declare that you and each member of your family unit included as part of the application "has a genuine intention to live, work and study in a designated regional area".‍‍

Health Requirements

The health criteria applicable to all subclass 491 visa applicants is PIC 4005 and is not capable of being waived.

Generally, health requirements for the 491 visa include:

1. Medical examination: Applicants and any accompanying family members may need to undergo a medical examination conducted by a panel physician approved by the Australian government.
2. Chest X-ray: This is typically required for applicants aged 11 years and older to screen for tuberculosis.
3. HIV test: Applicants aged 15 years and older may need to take an HIV test.
4. Additional tests: Depending on individual circumstances, country of origin, or intended occupation in Australia, additional health checks may be required.

Some advantages: subclass 491 visa

1. You receive additional 15 points when you are invited to apply for the visa
2. You do not require employer sponsorship to apply - although for state nomination, many states require onshore applicants to have full-time job offers before applying.
3. You (and your dependents) are eligible to apply for Medicare.
4. While holding the visa, you may move between regional areas all across Australia.

Other advantages of living in a regional area

1. Housing is much more affordable across the board. You will likely enjoy lower rent and greater availability of cost effective accommodation than if you lived in a similar type of property in the inner city.
2. Beautiful natural landscapes and fresher air.
3. Lower population density also means less pollution all around.

Some disadvantages: subclass 491 visa

1. You will need a skills assessment that is less than 3 years old from the date of receiving the invitation to apply for the visa. Skills assessments usually take time (anywhere between 1 to 6 months) to obtain and prepare for. This means that if you are thinking of looking into a subclass 491 visa, it is critical to start preparing early.
2. You will not be able to apply for an Australian permanent partner or skilled visa under the employer-sponsored or non-regional independent skilled programs within the first 3 years of holding this subclass 491 visa.

Other disadvantages of living in a regional area

1. You may have access to a less variety of goods and services as compared to in the cities.
2. It may take you a longer time to assimilate into the local communities.
3. There may be less flexibility in moving to better work within the same regional community

The content on this page does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Australian immigration doesn't have to be complex and we can help with your unique circumstances. To seek legal advice for information that is specific to your situation, please contact us.